Protesters hold up signs during a Denver City Council meeting to vote on the proposed urban camping ban at the City Building in May 2012. The ban passed. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

By Monica BuhligGuest Commentary

Discussion is healthy with regard to addressing the issue of homelessness in Denver, but we need to reframe the discussion.

On June 27, in an effort to balance the portrayal of interrelations between police officers and individuals experiencing homelessness, The Denver Post editorial board highlighted the Denver Police Department’s commitment to the members of our community who have been without shelter during the first year of Denver’s urban camping ban. I want to reinforce gratitude for this commitment, as well as for the commitment of all those who reach out to support people who experience being homeless.

The problem is the camping ban is not the context in which we, as a community, should discuss how to support our most vulnerable neighbors who are without shelter. The ban was implemented at a contentious point in time response to those on our streets on any given night. It will not solve homelessness. The camping ban can and should, as in this instance, prompt dialogue focusing on longer-term solutions to ensure our neighbors have shelter and feel a part of our community.Read more…

On Wednesday, two reports showed the pace of new home construction has increased, and in August, home sales reached their highest level in two years. A re-invigorated real estate is desperately needed.

Sales of new homes jumped 3.6 percent in July, a bump that matches a two-year high hit in May. Along with other markers, the data released Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department are evidence that a lasting housing recovery is finally taking hold.

And thank goodness. A strong housing market will do wonders for the economy and will help rebuild the personal wealth lost in the recession.

There’s no doubt the economy has a long way to go from the depths it hit during the recession, but at least the housing market seems to be moving in the right direction.

Vincent Carroll is The Denver Post's editorial page editor. He has been writing commentary on politics and public policy in Colorado since 1982 and was originally with the Rocky Mountain News, where he was also editor of the editorial pages until that newspaper gave up the ghost in 2009.

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To reach the Denver Post editorial page by phone: 303-954-1331

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